Will exercising abs at the age of 15 lead to stunted growth

Exercising abs at the age of 15 generally does not directly affect height growth. Height development is mainly influenced by factors such as genetics, nutrition, and hormone levels. Scientific and reasonable abdominal training will not cause compressive damage to the bone growth plate. Adolescents who engage in moderate abdominal muscle training before fully closing their bones typically do not interfere with normal growth as long as their movements are standardized and they do not carry excessive weight. Abdominal muscles belong to the core muscle group, and moderate exercise can help improve posture, enhance spinal stability, and actually promote healthy bone development. It is recommended to choose low impact exercises such as abdominal rolling and plank support for self weight training. The training should not exceed 3 times a week, and the single training time should be controlled within 20 minutes to avoid using heavy equipment. In rare cases, if long-term overloaded abdominal strength training or incorrect movements lead to spinal compression, it may have potential effects on growth and development. For example, engaging in high-intensity abdominal muscle training for more than 1 hour per day, using more than 20% of body weight to roll the abdomen, or frequently doing sit ups to compensate for neck pressure, these improper training methods may indirectly affect bone development. During adolescence, it is particularly important to avoid vertical spinal compression exercises such as Olympic weightlifting and weight-bearing squats.

It is recommended that 15-year-old teenagers include abdominal muscle training as part of their overall exercise plan, along with stretching exercises such as swimming and basketball. Ensure sufficient daily intake of high-quality protein and calcium, sleep for no less than 8 hours, and regularly monitor bone age and growth rate. If there is persistent bone and joint pain or stagnant height growth after training, it is necessary to consult a pediatrician or sports medicine expert in a timely manner.